The pressure on Cameron over Gaza is growing after Warsi’s resignation

It’s not exactly a secret that I disagree with many of the policies of the current Tory Government. However, the action taken yesterday by Conservative peer Baroness Warsi to resign as a Foreign Office minister over the crisis in Gaza, is one that I commend.

In her letter of resignation, she called the Government’s behaviour “morally indefensible”. I couldn’t agree more. The lack of action from the Tory Government, and that of the wider international community, has failed to live up to our responsibilities as a key player in global politics.

Living in a world integrated and connected through social media, we cannot avoid, nor should we, the hellish images coming out of Gaza. This is no longer a debate over who started this current crisis, or making sure all reports are “balanced”. There is nothing about this conflict that is balanced. The attacks by the Israeli forces are as disproportionate as Cameron’s mute response to them.

As the British public become more vocal in their outrage, the Tories have been forced to “review” British arms trade with the Israeli government, which is worth up-to a staggering £8billion. I am not optimistic about this review delivering fair and timely conclusions. That’s why, whilst this review is underway, we urgently need an embargo on UK-supplied military technology and components to Israel.

The strong feeling of injustice of this current conflict, the ongoing blockade of Gaza and strengthening of public opinion against this latest assault only emphasises the impotence of the international community. I can’t remember any other issue that has filled my parliamentary inbox more. People of diverse backgrounds, stalwart campaigners on the issue and also people who have never contacted an MP before, but have been moved by the scenes on their television.

Surprisingly, it is the latter whose emails stir most emotion in me. Looking at this situation with a fresh pair of eyes, they write seeking clarification and explanation as to why these attacks go unpunished by global government. Far from facing the consequences of the brutal attacks, the Israeli government is defended and supported in its actions, not least by our very own Government. To allow the sale of military technology to one side of the conflict whilst using tax-payers money to provide essential food and water to the other is a painful irony.

It’s not only members of the public who are outraged about the continuing violence and the UK government’s moral deficit. Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg has called for a suspension in arms licenses to Israel and says he shares Baroness Warsi’s concerns over Britain’s relationship with Israel. The pressure is growing on Cameron to have the courage to speak out against this atrocity.

And as a worthy opposition, Labour should be voicing the indignation of its constituents, members, affiliates and politicians who are incensed by these brutal and disproportionate attacks. As a party based on solidarity and equality, we should be ahead of curve in insisting international law is upheld and calling for justice for the Palestinians. Not only in making this 72 hour ceasefire permanent, but in standing shoulder to shoulder with the Palestinians in their struggle to lift the blockade of Gaza, end the illegal occupation and dismantle the barriers to justice once and for all.

The international community has a duty to create the space and opportunity for Palestine to grow its own infrastructure, free from the mechanics of occupation. I fear that until this happens, the cycle of violence will sadly continue.

It should go without saying that this conflict isn’t about faith or nationality, it’s about humanity and justice. Every life, no matter if Israeli or Palestinian, should be equally as precious. Only when that is the case will we get to the desirable outcome for the Middle East – a secure Israel alongside a viable Palestine.

Anas Sarwar MP is the Deputy Leader of Scottish Labour